NEWS

Symbolism Behind The Venerated Virgin

As some people may know, a lot of my paintings, particularly the larger religious paintings incorporate more than meets the eye. My artistic influence for these paintings originates with my interest in Salvadore Dali. He was known as a master of the surrealist movement of the early 20th century and often employed extensive symbolism into his paintings. Best known for his “melting clock” in The Persistence of Memory, I became interested in his work when I was young upon seeing his version of the last supper, The Sacrament of the Last Supper, which hangs in the National Gallery of Art in D.C.

One of my earlier paintings, The Venerated Virgin incorporates quite a bit of symbolism that may not be immediately apparent. I completed this painting almost 7 years ago and it is still one of my favorites. I intentionally included more symbolism into this painting than any of my previous works. The style is still similar to my current work but my quality has improved since this particular piece. The painting measures 22×28, Oil on Linen canvas and retails for $1,940. Contact me if you are interested. Prints are available as fine art prints, poster prints, metal, acrylic and canvas prints, starting at only $22. All can be customized and framed. Please visit my Print Order page for more information.

The title itself tells the story behind this painting, the honor and glory of the Virgin Mary depicted here as Queen. She was modeled after a painting of Queen Victoria in 1859 by Franz Xavier Winterhalter, a German painter, and lithographer, known for his portraits of royalty in the mid-nineteenth century. Mary is the Queen of Heaven, honored above all mothers as the mother of God herself. The Blue and Red of her robes symbolize royalty, which is typical when viewing paintings of the Holy Mother throughout history. Her dress in white stands for her purity and virtuousness.

Standing below her are John the Baptist and Christ to his right. John the Baptist points to the Crown which indicates that Christ will be King. Christ, himself is wrapped in white for purity and virtue. In his hair is a band of flowers, young Roses or Carnations. Not only does this reflect his love of humanity but Carnations in the Greek language, karyophullon, suggests the color of the flesh of humanity ‘rosy pink color,’ as well as incarnation, and with coronation. This suggests Christs’ resurrection and the crowning of the Glory of God for man’s redemption.

Now let’s take a closer look out the window. You’ll first notice that the clouds are departing from the sky. The blue sky is pushing the darkness of clouds away, salvation is starting to overcome the darkness of sin. In the midst of the landscape is a lone tree. The tree of life that will become the cross of salvation. The leaves have begun to turn and wither as in Fall, depicting the coming death of sin. The shadow of the tree clearly shows its future, it will become the Cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

There is always more than meets the eye in many of my paintings and I hope you will explore them closer. I hope that you are now able to appreciate my painting, The Venerated Virgin a little better. As mentioned above, you are able to obtain your copy of this painting for yourself in various sizes and in various fine art formats by visiting my Prints section.

The Venerated Virgin Coffee Mug

The Venerated Virgin Pillow

The Venerated Virgin Tote

Besides prints, you can obtain this painting and all my other works on all sorts of items and accessories; from Beach Towels, Tote Bags and Throw Pillows to Greeting Cards, Phone Cases, T-Shirts and Coffee Mugs! Visit my Prints section and select the artwork to see what is available to Order Today!